How to Whiten Composite Veneers?

If you have taken the step to get veneers, then you probably have a beaming, bright smile that you love — and that you want to keep bright and beaming.

Many people invest in whitening treatments to give their teeth a boost of brightness. Do the same treatments work with veneers? And if not, how are you supposed to keep veneers white and bright?

That’s what we are going to answer today. First, a little information about veneers.

What Are Veneers?

This dental treatment is consists of very thin, custom-made shells that are applied to the top of existing teeth and bonded into place. They are designed to change the original tooth’s colour, size, shape, or length.

They are often a cosmetic treatment that enhances the appearance of teeth — making them longer, more uniform, and treating discolouration.

Veneers can be made of a couple of different materials, such as porcelain or resin, making them non-porous — unlike natural teeth, which are quite porous.

We all know that certain foods like coffee, wine, foods that contain food colouring, and smoking can stain teeth. As mentioned above, this is because natural teeth are porous, so absorb the colours and become stained. Veneers on the other hand are more like a hard shell. While they are more difficult to stain than regular teeth, they can become dull and discoloured over time.

Can I Whiten Veneers?

Traditional over the counter whitening treatments will not work the same way as they will on natural teeth. In fact, using a whitening treatment on veneers can result in uneven colours, especially if you don’t have veneers on all your teeth.

The best thing to do is to avoid foods and drinks that cause discolouration. However, that’s not always realistic. If you are a coffee and wine drinker, brushing your teeth, or at the very least rinsing thoroughly afterwards, will help avoid discolouration.

It’s best to use a soft bristle toothbrush with veneers to avoid damage and to avoid using toothpaste that contains baking soda. There is also toothpaste that is specially formulated for veneers that produce a polishing effect, which will give you a nice boost of brightness and smoothness. Going for your regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist is also necessary to keep your veneers in good shape.

Veneers are very strong and built to last a very long-lasting while being very resistant to changing colour. However, if your veneers are very old, there likely have been advancements to the material since you’ve first had them.

If you are noticing that your veneers are becoming dull and you are looking for whitening or brightening, there are options available to you. Simply give our south Surrey dentist a call and we will be happy to discuss your options. Or if you think that veneers might be right for you as a way to get the teeth you’ve always wanted. We want everyone to have the smile they dream of, and we will help you achieve it.